2 more possible West Nile cases investigated in Elkhart County

September 21, 2006|YONIKA WILLIS Tribune Staff Writer

GOSHEN -- The Elkhart County Health Department is investigating two more possible human cases of the West Nile virus in Elkhart County. The department also is still investigating one human case of the virus confirmed last week, said Peg Ramey, Elkhart County Health Department manager of nursing services. Information regarding the cases has been forwarded to the Indiana State Department of Health for final determination. Ramey said the investigation into some of these cases goes back several weeks. She could not discuss where the cases have been found in the county. Jennifer Dunlap, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health, said Wednesday the department cannot discuss cases that may be pending. Symptoms associated with the virus can vary from person to person but are similar to those experienced during a viral infection. They may include fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. The number of possible cases found in the county is significantly lower compared to the 23 cases in 2002, when the virus peaked in the area, Ramey said. "Since then, we've only had one case in 2003 and 2004, and no cases in 2005," she said. But health officials presume the virus is in the county, Ramey said. Mosquitoes collected in Elkhart County last month tested positive for the disease and the Elkhart County Health Department announced Wednesday that a second pool of mosquitoes collected in the county also tested positive for the virus. Staff writer Yonika Willis: ywillis@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6556